The England U18 Schoolboys travelled to Llandarcy Park in Neath on Thursday 28th March for their second SAFIB Centenary Shield fixture of the 2024 season. The England boys needed a positive result in this game, to stay in with a chance of retaining the Shield which they shared with Wales last season.
The First chance of the match saw Jude Entwhistle set free down the right, his cross into the box almost found Toby Nelson, but an unfortunate bobble took it just beyond his reach. Wales’ first chance of the game fell to Ellis Sage after nudging Josh Thynne off the ball and slotting home just past the right leg of England Captain, James Taylor in goal.
Wales doubled their lead in the 18th minute, the ball played out to Ellis Sage once again who fired low between the legs of the England Keeper.
England came as close as you can to an equaliser in the 24th minute. A corner from Toby Nelson caused chaos in the box, with Nathaniel Osborne in the Welsh goal making three brilliant saves from Jude Entwhistle and Kai Adams before the ball found Toby Nelson on the edge of the box. His curling shot was brilliantly tipped onto the bar by the Welsh Keeper.
Wales had a golden chance to make it three when Sage got through once again, this time he decided to square the ball to Owen who couldn’t quite get a touch to turn it goal-wards.
The first major chance of the second half fell to Kai Adams after a ball in from Deacon Smalley found him on the penalty spot, but his header was wide of the target.
England pulled one back in the 62nd minute with Freddie Haden having just come onto the pitch, running to the by-line, and pulling back to Jude Entwhistle, who took a touch and fired home. England now had all the momentum and were looking for a second, loading pressure on the Welsh defence. Freddie Haden continued to cause problems down the wings and Jude Entwhistle got close to a second on numerous occasions.
Wales got their third, after a brilliant strike from Ieuan Owen beat James Taylor from over 30 yards, his finish rocketing into the top corner.
Full time and the game finished 3-1. England’s chances in the SAFIB Centenary Shield are now over for this season, Wales have a huge game coming up v Northern Ireland for a chance to lift the trophy this season.
The England U18 Schoolboys travel to Walsall FC next Friday (5th April) for their first home fixture v Republic of Ireland. The week after (Friday 12th April) they host Scotland at Chesterfield FC to round off their Centenary Shield Campaign for 2024.
Buy your tickets for these fixtures here.
The National Governing Body for Schools’ Football in England.